Android 17 is shaping up to be a big win for Pixel users - but I still want these features

"It's that time of year when Android users (and pundits) start wondering what's in the next release. Well, the good news is that Google has already announced some of the features, which are carry-overs from Android 16 QPR1 and Android 16 QPR2. This approach means that these features are in quarterly drops, often targeted at Pixel users, and may eventually reach other devices."

"According to Android Authority, the following QPR1 carry-over features will find their way into Android 17: Material 3 Expressive for non-Pixel phones. Desktop Mode will finally display a taskbar and status bar, and many other features. There will also be customizable keyboard shortcuts when in desktop mode. Live Updates are capable of displaying updates to real-time events, such as ride-share arrivals and food deliveries. Improvements to Factory Reset Protection that restrict all functionality on phones and tablets that have been reset without owner authorization."

"As far as the QPR2 carry-over features, the list is a bit longer: Auto-themed icons Expanded dark theme Low-light mode Enhanced HDR brightness Disable background blur 90:10 split-screen multitasking on phones Built-in parental controls Identity Check will expand to apps and watches Secure Lock Device, which is a new system-level security state The ability to disable the Failed Authentication Lock feature Timezone change notification An updated interface for sideloading apps GUI app support in the Linux Terminal"

Android 17 is slated for a June 2026 release and focuses on polish across UI, security, and multitasking. Several features are carry-overs from Android 16 QPR1 and QPR2, initially rolling out in quarterly drops, often on Pixel devices before wider distribution. QPR1 features include Material 3 Expressive for non-Pixel phones, an enhanced Desktop Mode with taskbar, status bar, and customizable keyboard shortcuts, Live Updates for real-time events, and stricter Factory Reset Protection. QPR2 features include auto-themed icons, expanded dark theme, low-light mode, enhanced HDR brightness, disable background blur, 90:10 split-screen, parental controls, Identity Check expansion, Secure Lock Device, and improved sideloading and Linux Terminal support.

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